Mira Costa English Faculty Memorial Scholarship Honors Beloved Teachers

Mira Costa English Faculty Memorial Scholarship Honors Beloved Teachers

By Riya Kalra

Online Editor

Mira Costa has long been home to passionate teachers who leave lasting impacts on their students. To honor the legacy of its most beloved English teachers, Costa has introduced a new scholarship,the Mira Costa English Faculty Memorial Scholarship, which reflects their dedication to literature and student growth. 

The scholarship honors the memory of English teachers John Heideman (2016), Mike McAvin (2023), and Lianne Kneisel (2024). Created by retired department chair Pamela Jenning, this scholarship celebrates their legacies by supporting graduating seniors who plan to major in English in college.

“It was the absolute privilege of my life to have taught English at Mira Costa for twenty-two years,” said Jennings. “From the first moment I walked onto the campus in the fall of 1992, I felt such a strong sense of community and purpose.”

The scholarship not only honors these teachers’ contributions to the Mira Costa community but also encourages future generations to follow their passion for literature. It highlights the lasting impact of committed teachers and supports students who want to carry on their love for storytelling and learning.

“Mr. McAvin showed me that English was about understanding stories, not just reading them,” junior Dev Prema said. “His passion for literature inspired me, and I’m grateful for his impact on me.”

The Mira Costa English Faculty Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating seniors planning to study English in college. Applicants must submit a 500-600 word essay reflecting on their personal relationship with literature and their reasons for pursuing English at the college level. The application deadline is March 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, students can visit the College and Career Center. 

“I always knew that I was so fortunate to be part of the English Department which practiced every day with true dedication and commitment to the teaching of English,” said Jennings. 

“This [scholarship represents] a meaningful connection between the passion and expertise of those teachers who have passed on,” said Jennings. “Those students who are looking forward to developing their own knowledge and skill in the field of English in the years stretching before them.”

Deadline: March 15

Requirements: 500-600 word essay

Scholarship Name: Mira Costa English Faculty Memorial Scholarship